Marco Palestra is the only debutant in the Italy squad for the World Cup qualifying playoffs , with the semifinals on Thursday in Bergamo against Northern Ireland (8:45 p.m.). The Cagliari full-back, interviewed by Vivo Azzurro, celebrated his first appearance for the Azzurri two days before the match: "I got the call from the coach, I wasn't expecting it," revealed the Rossoblu number 2, who is in the Italy squad alongside Elia Caprile. "Making the national team is a dream for everyone, I believed in it because it's a goal. Everyone welcomed me so warmly here at Coverciano, it started off in the best possible way. Gattuso told me to do what I know how to do, he works really well with the players, and it shows."

Italy-Northern Ireland is already decisive: the winner will face Bosnia and Wales next Tuesday, away, for a spot in the World Cup. "It's one of the most important matches in recent years," Palestra said. " I feel all this responsibility, we've trained really well: I see a very focused and mentally clear group . I'm seeing everything in the right light." His debut could be the day after tomorrow: "But I haven't imagined it; it will be something that will remain in my heart and mind for the rest of my life. When it happens, I'll experience it."

Palestra's journey with Italy began a long time ago. "My first photo was in the Under-15s, at the start of the national team. It was the beginning of everything, then I took a different path. Today I'm here, I'm very happy: I started in Assago, I've come a long way and made a lot of sacrifices . But it's been a wonderful journey, which has just begun in the world of the big boys."

Now the senior national team: "It's a goal we've achieved, it has to be the beginning," says Palestra, who doesn't believe he's arrived yet. " For me, it's the culmination of so many sacrifices, but it has to be just the starting point . In the Under-15s, I was the slowest, perhaps because I was physically behind the others. I had my family by my side, as well as my coaches. I've always wanted to go one-on-one, I never back down."

Palestra also gave his assessment of his season, his first as a starter in Serie A: "It's definitely not easy, but in this world you have to get used to it. There's a lot of pressure, but that's how it should be. I'm very happy with what I'm doing, thanks to Cagliari and the national team. Going to Cagliari was crucial, because I found the consistency I needed . The coach and my teammates in Cagliari were also great, they made me feel at ease and I have to thank them."

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